
Babies and Biceps
We had a great chat to Amy Schofield, of Babies and Biceps, who has some brilliant tips and reassurance for any mums wanting to get fit.
• Tell us a bit about you!
My name’s Amy, 28 years old. I have two children. My son Harry is 11 years old and my daughter Zara is 17 months.
I’m currently working as a fitness instructor — Owner/director of babies & biceps and training to become a PT. I also work as a TA part time in early years.

• How did Babies and Biceps come about?
So before I fell pregnant with my daughter I was very into my fitness and loved being able to go to the gym most evenings. I continued to train during pregnancy but didn’t do as much as I’d hoped due to sickness (allll the time) and extreme tiredness. (Myself and pregnancy are not a good combination!)
So, during my pregnancy I worried a bit about not having the time to train after having my baby. I researched a little and found that there wasn’t really any mother and baby fitness classes in the area. I’d seen clips online of women working out at home with their babies, and I thought why not use this concept and put my passion for fitness into something that could benefit both myself and other mums.
That’s when I came up with the idea to practise some workouts with my baby that we could share with others.
It was important for me to workout with my baby alongside me as I never wanted to leave her. Through breastfeeding, we created such a great bond and I couldn’t bare to be apart from her. The exercise that we do is ‘our’ bit of time together and makes our bond even stronger. (God, that sounds cheesy, but its true!!!)
• What advice would you give to mums who want to start or get back into exercise?
Go for it!!! There is literally nothing stopping you, other than yourself. I know this from experience.
I’m unable to go to the gym these days, juggling two jobs and the children. Everything I do is done at home around them.
If motivation is whats stopping you, ask a friend to join you! Encouragement from others is key. Arranging a time and place to meet almost means you HAVE to do it. (That works for me definitely)
Keeping a record of workouts is good too, even something as simple as a tally on your calendar. If you miss a session you almost feel a bit guilty. Its nice to look back and see what you’ve achieved.
Most importantly, don’t be scared or embarrassed if you’re unfit to begin with. We all have to start somewhere!
- What would you say to mums who feel intimidated or worried about coming to a class?

I have met so many mums that have felt like this and have received numerous messages from women that are shy and worried they are unfit.
I can promise you that every single person who has attended a class has said how relaxed the environment was and how friendly the other mums are.
There is nothing to worry about at all!
• What’s your biggest exercise excuse and how do you overcome it?
This would always be ‘time’! As long as I get in 3 sessions a week though, I’m happy. It’s difficult to find time to exercise around running a home and working, so the best thing that works for me is actually mornings! Yes, the dreaded word!!!
Honestly, working out in the morning changes your whole perception on the day ahead. The natural endorphins you get from a workout are just the best and put you in such a positive mood with lots of energy. Doing this in the morning before your kids are out of bed, means you get a little bit of ‘me’ time too. (even if it is only 20 minutes) and then you’re ready to take on the world!
• How can mums fit exercise in around babies and children?
Babies and Biceps!!! Where else!? I’m kidding — sort of!
So as I said previously, try and make time early in the morning to set you up for the day ahead.
Failing that, (I have a baby that never sleeps so I understand) take your baby in the garden or to the park and do some exercises with them!
The internet has everything you need to know and of course Babies and Biceps will teach you how to perform exercises correctly with your baby.

• What are your 3 favourite exercises?
So it has to be the press-up, lunges (for a nice shapely butt) and of course the dreaded burpee — we all love to hate the burpee and there are so many variations too.
• Who inspires you?
My inspiration, honestly, are my children. Of course, I admire lots of women in the fitness industry, but to me the most important part of what I do, is being a role model to my children and teaching them how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
• What are your fitness goals?
Goals for me are to continue what I’m doing throughout my life. Seeing older people out running for example, is inspiring and I always say to myself, I hope that’ll be me when I’m older.
Mostly, I hope that I can inspire mums to get that passion for fitness and realise that it can actually be enjoyable!

• Who would be your ideal fitness buddy?
Honestly, anyone! Just having someone to workout with really pushes you further and makes it enjoyable. My daughter of course is my current fitness buddy, and she also provides a very good weight!
My partner and I would train together all the time before I had Zara and being able to share a hobby is really lovely. We are just starting to find time to get back into training together again.
Babies & Biceps offer classes for women only (no babies)on Mondays (7–8pm). Their Mother and baby classes take place every Thursday and Friday at 9.30–10.30am. All classes take place outside in the summer- generally at the Ampitheatre in the Leas Coastal Park. During wet weather and winter they’re held at the Grand Burstin.
For more information find Babies & Biceps on Facebook and instagram.
